Universities Strive for a Balanced Use of ChatGPT in Student Writing
Universities are grappling with the use of generative artificial intelligence in student writing, particularly with services like ChatGPT that can create sentences and generate entire papers. Universities are acknowledging the potential benefits of these AI tools but are also concerned about the possibility of students using them for academic dishonesty, such as cheating on assignments or exams.
Striking a Balance
Many universities are trying to strike a balance by restricting the use of generative AI in writing reports or urging students to be extremely cautious about utilizing them. At the same time, schools are avoiding outright bans, recognizing the benefits of generative AI for tasks such as collecting and sorting information.
ChatGPT, an AI service provided by OpenAI, can respond to instructions in natural-sounding sentences, create text structure, and even write computer code. Its capabilities have grown since its release to the public in autumn 2022, and the latest version, GPT-4, is available for a monthly subscription fee.
In response to these new tools, universities have been releasing statements on their views and policies regarding generative AI use. Sophia University has issued a notice rejecting AI-generated reports or theses and will apply disciplinary rules to confirmed AI-generated papers. However, with permission from teaching staff, students can use AI within the limits allowed by instructions. The University of Tokyo has stated that it is necessary to critically check and modify answers generated by AI.
Tohoku University also acknowledges that it is not realistic to ban the use of generative AI altogether. Instead, they advise teachers to consider whether to partially restrict its use or provide instructions to students on how to use it. Showa Women’s University has taken measures to ensure students write reports without AI by requiring reports to be composed at exam venues. At Keio University, some classes have removed computer programming assignments because generative AI can write programming code.
The Importance of Ethical AI Use in Education
As universities navigate the use of generative AI, there is also a focus on the ethical use of AI in education. Kyoto University Provost Nagahiro Minato has warned of the negative aspects of generative AI in his speech, stating that AI can generate sentences with incorrect information and lacks the ability to examine and research information properly.
Lui Yoshida, an associate professor of educational technology at the University of Tokyo, notes that the rise of ChatGPT and other AI writing tools require university teachers to be creative in designing assignments for their students. Yoshida adds that the actual process of learning will be regarded as equally important to reports and exams. The focus will shift from not just what students have learned but also how they have learned.
Conclusion
Universities are still exploring the appropriate use of generative AI in student writing, recognizing its benefits while also being cautious about its potential for academic dishonesty. While universities have different policies and approaches towards generative AI, they all recognize the importance of using it ethically in education.
